When Someone You Love Walks Away From God / Leaves the Church

[@monicaswift-hjerrild]

Oh the irony of being named Monica. My own son walked away from our Heavenly Father when He didn't answer his prayer, begging God to save the life of his best friend's father. He was 15. I've prayed now for 11 years for his return, to a minimum of him just believing again. Last year a friend went to Stubenville and met a woman who helped start Millions of Monicas and in January, I started this ministry at my own parish. Embarrassed and ashamed to speak in front of each Mass, I was shocked that we had 25 women show up at our first meeting. Any changes... for the first time in 11 years, rather than sneaking out the back during communion at a Mass for his grandpa, he walked up and received a blessing. He hears and He answers in His own time. I'll count that blessing as a win and will, as patiently as possible, continue to pray for the day he is completely back.

[@cy7025]

Thank you for sharing your story. I have two adult sons who have walked away from the Church. I pray to St. Monica everyday.

[@ShowMeCrafty]

I’m called Monica as well and the irony isn’t lost on me either, except that I have a daughter who I’m trying patiently lead back to God. I have faith that God will touch her heart and turn it all around. I join my prayers with your for your son as well. 🙏🏽

[@monicaswift-hjerrild]

@@cy7025 I will keep your sons in my prayers.

[@monicaswift-hjerrild]

@@ShowMeCrafty keeping you and your daughter in my prayers as well.

[@ShowMeCrafty]

@@monicaswift-hjerrild thank you 🙏🏽

[@jnkelley42]

Three years ago I was angry, far from God, and destroying my body while living out the transgender lie. The pain was deep and real. But, the grace of God is good. Today I am in OCIA, de transitioning, and finding joy in God. There is hope friends.

[@sj865heartparis]

God bless 😊

[@MaryR7256]

What is OCIA?

[@alanjely]

God bless you

[@juliegenova3057]

God be praised! Welcome home!

[@carmenmariacortesmarin2664]

​@@MaryR7256 OCIA Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly called "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)," is the process through which one becomes a full member of the Roman Catholic Church.

[@Lanamarri36712]

My daughter went to Catholic school from 1st to 12th grade. She appreciates her great education but she walked away from the faith at ASU and then graduated and got married to a non Catholic so I feel sad but she won’t even talk about it with me. I took my son out of Catholic school when he was 8 and sent him to public school biggest mistake I ever made because he needed the guidance more than she did. now he has turned into a trans person and I feel like he’s lost. I pray for him and her every day. I pray a lot for him because he is so defiant I try not to blame myself, but sometimes that’s all Ican do. I was confirmed later on in life I named myself Monica after Saint Monica …my tears could fill an ocean.

[@uikmnhj4me]

I’ll pray for your children too!

[@Lanamarri36712]

@@uikmnhj4me thank you

[@simple_naildesigns]

@@Lanamarri36712 praying for your family 🙏

[@fgscatholicpoint22]

Nothing is impossible to God.

[@simple_naildesigns]

@@fgscatholicpoint22 amen!

[@nwoomer]

I spent 29 years away from the Church as a dyed-in-the-wool atheist and came back recently. I married another cradle Catholic who I led away during our courtship. Our kids are unbaptised. And now I'm trying to lead her back (first her, then the kids, my priest says). I'm optimistic that she'll come back to mass with me any week now. The "trick," in my experience, is to show quiet spiritual discipline: let her see that you're reading scripture daily, go to mass every week and tell her what you liked and didn't like... Don't be too overbearing. Have humility. Listen. Slow and steady wins the race. This seems to be working in my situation. Maybe it will work for you too.

[@emmabrauer5360]

That is very helpful and inspiring thank you for sharing. Although I too led people astray including my children,before going back to practise properly, the only thing to do is slowly show the example like you're doing, well done.

[@carmichael2359]

I hope so x4.

[@MrRaowens1]

See if you can get her to watch just one episode of the TV series The Chosen. After one episode, your wife will probably want to see more.

[@joechriste7052]

The way the early Christians converted people was to show them how Christ changed them. I know from experience, that as your wife sees how you're becoming a better person and are more loving, kind, and filled with the joy of Christ, she'll come around.

[@SLOCALBamaFan]

I will add you and your family to my rosary intentions.

[@mariechong9109]

Lord please heal those who have left the church and lead them home

[@russellmiles2861]

If we don't need a church ideology: we believe in western nuclear deterrence, same sex marriage, universal health insurance, and the Eucharist is symbolic Why would you want someone like me in your church - be honest that you don't. Mind my local priest is quite ok with me - he can talk scripture with me and I know what he means. Most parishioners are not interested in such.

[@simple_naildesigns]

@@mariechong9109 amen!

[@viljo21]

Do you trust your pope? Come out of HER?

[@marciadurbin9036]

Amen🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@marciadurbin9036]

@@viljo21❓

[@simple_naildesigns]

Continue to pray for those in need of the Lord 🙏

[@AlexanderBrown77]

1 John 5 KJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ✝️🩸

[@Goretti8201]

A spiritual director told me that I have to remember that God is always working, even if I can't see it. God wants my loved ones to be reunited in the Body of Christ even more than I do. Everyone is on a different spiritual journey, some just take a bit longer to find the right path.

[@Goretti8201]

@@Roman-Labrador humans have limited reason (we don't know everything, so to look for evidence based on what we "know" is putting God in a human-sized box). God is total love, and trust in him requires faith. So I pray for more faith, so I can trust that he is always working, even when I can't see it.

[@russellmiles2861]

@@Goretti8201 yes, that is the usual excuse for tolerating Elohim killing every man woman and child at Sodom (Genesis 19:24), ording the ripping the unborn from their mother's womb (Hosea 13:16) slowly killing Beshebas's baby (2 Samuel 12 17) killing the Firstborn (Exodus 12:29) putting to death women, children and infants (1 Samuel 15:3), has 2 She bear kill boys (2 Kings 2:24), killing Jobs children (Job 1: 19) and all the other tales of God killing children . The Bible doesn't reveal Satan to harm anything let alone kill innocent children.

[@scurtei]

Helped a lot your message

[@natashazakinja2087]

I pray that we will get there eventually 🙏

[@lp28487]

Thank you for sharing what your spiritual director said, it was just what I needed to hear

[@jeanmariedenning62]

Several of my 6 children have walked away from the Church . The hypocrisy and lack of Christ’s example they’ve experienced is heartbreaking! Still praying for us !❤️🙏❤️

[@simple_naildesigns]

Praying for them 🙏

[@marcihf217]

Praying ❤

[@parysethibodeau9474]

There’s hope! I walked away for 40+ years. God called me back during Covid. Oh the prayers my mother must have prayed … sadly she has dementia now so I can’t share with her that God answered her prayers 😞 I wish I could see the joy on her face!! Keep the faith. Praying for your family 🙏

[@marcihf217]

@@parysethibodeau9474 Beautiful! Welcome Home ❤ Prayers for you and your mom.

[@sassypatty2666]

Praying

[@EricMichaelson-r2u]

if they are still breathing, anything is possible with God. Thank you for the reminder, Father.

[@michaeloliveri240]

I walked away from the church when I was just 16. It took me 20 years but I did find God again. If you’re praying for someone, don’t stop praying and don’t stop loving them. If they are open to it, talk to them. I think if I had someone to talk to about faith and doubt I may have come back sooner, maybe never would have left. But everything happens in God’s time, not ours.

[@emmabrauer5360]

So helpful thank you

[@maryzarate1562]

Thank you Thank you. I needed this. ❤

[@janeburkhart4051]

This was very encouraging and exactly what I needed to hear today. My 29 year old has left the church and is now transgender. Sometimes it feels like praying isn't enough, but I continue to pray. Thank you for this message, Father.

[@emmabrauer5360]

It is really helping me to see other parents coping with these kinds of issues, it's a lonely business watching your adult children depart from God, even when you're praying constantly for them

[@cherylh.3628]

My child was 38 when revealing that he was transgender 😢. At least I’m doing the things Fr. Mike talked about and feel less guilty that it was my fault.

[@scurtei]

I stay with you!

[@LMen38-l6u]

I am going n the same situation with my 29 year old son. I feel your pain and you are not alone . My husband and I decided at the beginning of this journey to keep the lines of communication open and stay involved in his life and show him the love of Christ. It’s been very difficult but we cling to Jesus.

[@sandravigliante6477]

My son is 30 this year , he says his disabilities has got nothing to do with him wanting to change him self into a female. He says he’s transgender . It’s so hard , because I gave birth to son , now it’s all about to change . All I can do is prayer everyday, . Leave it the lords hands .

[@silviakillibee7477]

I have returned to the Catholic Church after 42 years. I was filled with shame and pride after divorce and remarriage and I chose to turn my back on the Church. I still cannot take the holy Eucharist due to my disobedience but when I returned home to the Church I was welcomed back from my parish priest and parishioners with more love and acceptance than I could ever hope for.

[@fieldofyellowroses]

It’s true. I blasphemed the name of the Lord and hated Christians for a long time because of a few people who made bad decisions. I was away from God for 15 years but now I’m back! My mother never stopped praying for me. I didn’t know until I told her I wanted to become Catholic (she’s Presbyterian but supports me). Never give up!

[@katrinagiovanni891]

🩷 God bless praying moms 🛐🛐

[@jenniferalexander4354]

Oh my word! This is for me. Stumbled upon this and decided to listen. This is about ny situation with my son. I feel like I am all prayed out. Don't know how or what to pray again. I agree with all that Father has said. Will keep on at it. Remembering the words, "The son of your tears will not be lost." Please pray for me. I too will join in praying for others.

[@maireglynn6295]

Thank you Father for this. I do beat myself up over my children not having the Faith I would love them to have. God is so good....I will keep praying with complete trust and faith..

[@russellmiles2861]

Perhaps pray and reflect how you raised them. I assume you brought them up to be reflective and take responsibility for themselves... And they are .

[@carolsumera9392]

I spent 40 years away from the church. I never stopped loving Our Lord and always prayed but I did not attend church. I walked back in church 9 years ago and have attended ever since. I feel his presence and he has helped me more than I can say. Love you Fr. Mike!

[@void9837]

Catholics do not obey the commandments. There are more than ten commandments. Exodus 20. Matthew 6:7 New International Version 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

[@Karenowen-f9j]

A. W. Tozer’s book on “The pursuit of God” drew me closer to God and helped my spirituality. 2021 was a year I literally lived it. I cashed in my life savings and gave it all away. My total giving amounted to 40,000 dollars. Everyone thought | was delusional. Today I receive 85,000 dollars every two months. I have a property in Calabasas CA and travel alot. God has promoted me more than once and opened doors for me to live beyond my dreams. God kept to his promises to and for me.

[@Camila.Gomes1]

Congratulations!! The scriptures clearly states there's going a transference of the riches of the heathen to the righteous.God keep blessings you

[@Kai-p2g]

How do you make so much in a month?mind sharing?

[@Karenowen-f9j]

Thanks to Jennifer Lea Jenson.

[@Karenowen-f9j]

Her top notch guidance and expertise on digital market changed the game for me

[@AnthonyPrice-g8p]

Wow I know her too Miss Jennifer Lea Jenson is a remarkable individual who has brought immense positivity and inspiration into my life.

[@DennisR-t3n]

The only thing good in this world is God’s Presence ❤

[@jdemola55]

One of my sons told me to stop talking to him about faith. He has admitted he’s agnostic… better than the atheist he said he was on stage in a poetry contest! I was shaking when HE set the boundaries! I cried. I felt St. Monica and St. Augustine. I love what St. Ambrose told St. Monica! Wow! I will keep praying!

[@arturocavazos16]

Jesus, " I Trust in You". My children and grandchildren are in your hands and heart. ❤

[@17CW68fNv]

I'm always thinking about St Monica, because I pray for my son and his family to come to the Catholic faith. Thanks for reminding us to pray always, and not give up. God be with you and your family. Claire.

[@victoriadomzalski1604]

My son walked away. He has come to God and now teaching his own son about our Lord our God. Now my grandson, who was raised in the Catholic Church and school, has walked away, and I will pray and love him no matter what. Amen, I say to you.

[@Xianthe_Zan-thee]

Attended Mass in the 70s when I was little. Now starting RCIA (OCIA). God is FAITHFUL. GOD IS GOOD. GOD IS LOVE.

[@julieCA58]

"Where there is life there is hope".... quote from my mom. Why we have to honor the natural sanctity of life. Always.

[@bethaldrich]

Every single solitary video with father, Mike Schmitz is so inspiring. Thank you God for such an incredible evangelizer and witness to the faith.

[@marystenson2852]

What a gift to the world!❤🙏☘️

[@normafuentes832]

I've been praying for My children conversion and salvation I go to daily mass and pray two hours a day for the conversion and salvation of my family i know through my prayers we are all going to be saved

[@marielena-gaonamendoza6651]

My name is not Monica, but I shared the pain to see two out of my four children away from the church and one of two angry at God for not answering his prayers. God have mercy at him, and give me patience to not giving up praying for their conversion.

[@anitavaughn1968]

I needed this. My children… my relatives and friends. I came into the church this year. I lost friends. I love Jesus so much. I want everyone to love Jesus. I want to hate sin and I want everyone to hate sin. Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@connielacombe8729]

Prayers for all Catholic’s who don’t attend Mass🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@colettemccleave4532]

😭😭😭 My son Joshua went from wanting to see you Father Mike, sending Bishop Barron videos to his family and many other beautiful things to... doubting his Catholic Faith and attending a protestant church. I will never be the same or ever stop praying for him to come back home. I needed to hear this. Thank you

[@greentorm5467]

Thankyou, good timing. My teen son isnt baptised, no fault of his...all mine and I took him to church too; may God forgive me and help me to lead him through prayer and fasting towards baptism. He has faith though I've returned to my Catholic life. (We attended C of E church when he was younger). Please pray for him, Father.

[@soniatorres5227]

Prayers for u and ur son 🙏 I’m trying to get my Godson/nephew to return to church . 29 and hasn’t done his confirmation. I am praying hard

[@greentorm5467]

​@soniatorres5227 Thankyou, I will pray for you too.

[@judyknapp6176]

Please help me pray for both of my sons who have said they don’t believe in God . They are good men but I wish they knew that it is Jesus & I that are helping them to be good men . Please , pray with me & for them & my 15 yr old grandson & 22 yr old granddaughter & their Lutheran raised mother . ❤

[@POPS417]

I have been praying for guidance on this subject almost daily lately and then, here you are.

[@jeannettewilliams6086]

Wow. Number 3 was really helpful. Even God, who is perfect, has children who have walked away. Thank you for that word of comfort. "I don't have to be perfect. I just have to be there." Thank you!

[@mitchabbott6938]

I am a Baptist Deacon I do my devotions each morning every day I have been using these videos from Father Mike as a part of my devotion, to help me with my daily walk with our Lord and Savior. This video was amazing. Thank you now I got to do the work.

[@fmd7920]

Yes, it’s their journey. We cannot “give” our Faith to our children / husband. They will grow in their time. Pray pray pray.

[@marieconstantia4441]

I am a testament to being someone who walked away from the faith, but it was my praying mother who interceded for me continually. As a result, I not only came back to the faith, but I married a devout Catholic, (who I met on the feast of Saint Anthony on a Friday the 13th). Our family has been consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Don’t give up when others walk away from the faith. Talking to them about it will probably do nothing but prayer can move mountains. God bless.

[@KathleenMansfield-f7r]

Thank you Father, I have been in such despair over my children’s loss of their Holy Catholic faith. Your words spoke to me. I will focus on those 4 steps, meanwhile please help me pray them back to Jesus.

[@stephaniemartinez327]

Me too..😔

[@lollymae1]

It’s been very difficult to watch our children leave. Many tears have been shed but this is good advice to follow- keep the lines of communication open. Thank you Father Mike!

[@phoenixrises5113]

But how do we keep lines of communication open if the other side does not want it and just respnds with abuse when attempts are made apart from prayer?

[@lollymae1]

@@phoenixrises5113 Keep trying. Something will happen in their lives in which they will want to be with you again and you should never give up

[@francesbarbarise6312]

@@lollymae1

[@francesbarbarise6312]

@@lollymae1great advice !!

[@marnatz5]

​@@phoenixrises5113Offer the abuse you receive and give it back to the Lord, in union with His Passion and Crucifixion. The Lord will take your sacrifice and make something beautiful out of it in His own timing, the conversion of your loved ones.

[@ruthortega5822]

Thank you Father Mike. My grandson decided the Catholic Religion is a cult and has walked away. He does not participate in anything. Please God of Hope help him to realize that without God in our lives, we are nothing.

[@bellanteomero]

It is not our job to insert ourselves into the spiritual lives of others. We never know their whole story. We never know their pain and suffering. We don't walk in their shoes. Most importantly, we don't know Gid's plan for them (or fir ourselves.) Our job is to pray unceasingly for God's will for them and for ourselves. Making overt gestures to try to "save" them is overstepping. Let God be God.

[@barbararezac7667]

My child turned away from God and the Catholic Church ten years ago. I definitely went through the phase of blaming myself but can now look back and know that, as you say, I can't be perfect,, she was given free will, and she walked away. Sadly, she has severed her relationship not only from my husband and myself but from all of her siblings as well. She is living a very sinful lifestyle as well. It is tempting for me to give up hope, but of course we all continue to pray for her. I was especially touched by your words about how God cannot ignore the endless tears shed by a mother for her child. This loss has been like a sword to my very heart. My tears have been countless. My prayer is that she comes to her senses and saves her eternal soul. I have even come to the point that I accept that it may be after I am gone from this earth. The pain of a broken relationship like this is indescribable, but I have learned to live with it and not miss enjoying the rest of my beautiful family. Thanks for your words of wisdom.

[@allanknipp6537]

Father Schmidt says this too . I found a pamphlet in a church that helped me immensely. It was called : “ when your children leave the church.” . In it a priest also brings up the point how we as parents beat ourselves up blaming ourselves for our children leaving the church . Yet God our Father the perfect father see it happen to millions of his children . So know that any of us can see our children go astray . 😢

[@SurrenderNovena]

There is always hope, for we have a God who works miracles according to our faith and hope in Him. Jesus, I trust in You! 🙏🔥

[@russellmiles2861]

Remember, the overwhelming of prayers are ignored It is not as if God doesn't know your pain Pray that you may understand yourself

[@papercoyote3331]

You can't forcefully change someone. But you can influence them. Through prayerful living, through living in love, and letting christ shine through you. They have to want to change themselves, and you can be the example and catalyst to allow them to ponder that change. Be a light on a hill to guide them home.

[@Corinna674]

St Monica has answered my prayers for my son.🙏

[@FaithForward-h4n]

Thank you for sharing this powerful message. It’s heartbreaking when someone we care about walks away from their faith. Let’s pray for those who have left the Church, trusting that God’s grace can lead them back.

[@lorrainesullivan371]

Thank you Father Mike! I was really struggling with hope for my son to turn back to our Lord and to us. This really hit home! I will not give up because our story is not over. 🙏❤️🙏

[@mindyschmidt756]

Thank you so much Fr Mike for these encouraging words. My daughter is a member of the fast growing false church called WMSCOG. It’s been almost 4 years now, but we’ve been following these steps and will never lose hope. Like you said the story’s not over. God’s specialty is miracles! Jesus I trust in You!!

[@AlexisAdamchik]

My niece walked away and what saddens me that she has 2 beautiful God given young children! They have not been baptized and they may never receive any other sacraments! I pray for them every day!

[@TeresaLoschke]

Father Mike this hits…both of my adult children have walked away from the faith. My daughter is delving deep into New Age spiritualism. I was desperate and despondent, praying night and day and agonizing over the path she has chosen. And then I read “What Would Monica Do?”…what comfort I found in these pages! I suddenly felt I was not alone and the book gently helped me to surrender my daughter to Jesus and the Blessed Mother. It gave me back my peace. Now I am focusing on surrendering, praying and TRUSTING. As Fr. Mike says…her story is not over yet 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I encourage everyone who is praying for a loved one to return to the faith to read this book!

[@elizabethpublicspeak]

In your truth was this message. Love is patient Love is kind Love does not envy Love does not boast Love is not proud Love is not rude Love always trusts Love always hopes Love never fails Thank you, my brother.

[@rw8873]

Thank you for this, Fr. Mike. An image my dh and I like to keep with our "Augustine's"? We are just staying on the porch like the Prodigal Son's father. We do all that Fr. Mike says and when we get discouraged with the wait, we remember the Prodigal Son's father was waiting on the porch for his return. He didn't go into the house, slam the door and refuse to be there waiting. We praying for all the Monica's and Mr. Monica's (my dh's favorite name for himself0 and their own Augustine's. May we all see our children walking the road towards us some day during this life time.

[@Bittersweetmemoirs1118]

My son walked away yrs ago and even more so when he lost his dad. It’s hard but I will keep praying for him til the day I die.

[@valpinney8364]

Thank you so much Father Mike. I have 8 grand children. only one is a Catholic. I won't give up praying for them and loving them. You have encouraged me.

[@MariaPerez-db5zl]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful message.just what I needed to hear. Have 5 children and all of them had walked away from the FAITH…PLEASE PLEASE if you read this comment keep them in your prayers 🙏🙏🙏we are the Perez Family ❤️thank you from the bottom of my heart and GOD BLESS YOU ALL 😢

[@lancemangano4003]

I always pray for my 4 sons to return to the Catholic Church and Family and Faith!!

[@fmd7920]

Prayer is a dialogue not a monologue. Sometimes we need to stop talking and start listening to our hearts. Sometimes He is persistent in trying to get you to listen to Him. There was a time in my life where I pushed Him away bc I wanted to do it on my own. But He was always right there telling me I can’t do it on my own. Then I surrendered to Him and my life became more crystal clear bc He had a better plan for me. And what a plan it was. Don’t be stubborn like a goat. He is our Shepherd. Follow Him and He will never lead you astray.

[@shirleygiordano7627]

Please pray for my family. They have rejected their faith. 😢

[@luzvargas76]

May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most incomprehensible, and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored, and glorified, in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen

[@suzannekenney8757]

For me, this is one of the most encouraging talks I have heard. Please Lord God, spiritually heal my kids and grands and all those here who are praying for the same thing.

[@namesecondname4548]

Pray that Christ, Mary and St Michael bind any spirits which may be causing the disruption as well.

[@constancestack1047]

Thank you Fr Mike all my children are far from God and I continue to pray for them and all the world for the conversion of hearts

[@bethvigna7974]

Watched this entire video, had tears running down my face, tried to clear my throat, and as soon as I started coughing, I hear, “What’s up with the coughing!?” 😳😳🤷🏻‍♀️😂

[@cy7025]

Father Mike, thank you. It's a struggle when your adult children turn away from God and the Church. As you mentioned we did all the right things-Mass every week and Catholic school. I love that you said their story isn't over yet and there is hope. I pray to St. Monica everyday. My mother passed away July 15, 2023. Since her passing my younger sister has pulled away from her siblings and isn't communicating nor reaching out to any of us. I continue to reach out to her, sometimes she'll respond to my text, but with short answers and when I ask if she would like to talk her response is she is busy and doesn't have any time to do so. I continue to pray for her. 🙏🙏

[@andreew.7148]

I join the chorus: one atheist, one agnostic, one trans these are my children Ang grandchildren and I blamed myself for a long time because I also been away for many years but I refuse to be discouraged because God’s ocean of mercy that I experienced can happen to them also. I pray and await…thank you God for the words of wisdom and consolation through Fr. Mike

[@corinnaweber7554]

This can be a difficult time. The "walking away" is so painful for those of us who cherish our faith. Pray, pray, pray! Change can happen. I am seeing this now with my children. One day at a time. God doesn't work on our timetable. I believe this, but yes, I can be inpatient. Working on thatI Thanks, Fr. Mike.

[@marijo.4694]

Praying for my family conversions, my daughter, her boyfriend and my grandson.. For family and friends. Please let me surrender and know God is always in contril.😊

[@christopherflemister8424]

Prayers for us who go astray ❤

[@uteme]

Praying for all with truly tender hearts who are met with deceit, emotional distance & outright distain. Lord, convert the hardened hearts of those who may not see You, so they may learn to, know of, and give love. ♡

[@sassypatty2666]

Father, once again you knocked it out of the ballpark. Prayers to you and God bless.

[@metildajoseph5265]

Greetings Father Mike, Special Mention :- -> " My Father being Atheist by Principles for many years have now become Devout, Practising Catholic by all means in all aspects.Glory be to Lord Jesus Christ !! Amen. " -> " Hope, Patience and Faith really Matters." -> Good, Eloquent Message on Relationship Issues, Father Mike. Thanks. With regards , Ranjith Joseph (R.J)

[@CedanyTheAlaskan]

My whole family has either never had the faith or have fallen away.. Parents don't practice, sister doesn't believe, brother has fallen away the most, and now his children are not baptized. Neither is my sister. Feels lonely sometimes. Thanks Father.

[@thehurthealer]

Ooh wow 😢just need communication and prayer. When I feel I dont want too Please pray for my forgiveness x

[@TeresaPerez-np2uj]

May my family returns to mass

[@diannevasquez627]

Thank you, Fr Mike! This was perfect timing. My daughter just informed me she's in a same sex relationship. I am devastated! Praying she has a heart of conversion!!❤

[@simple_naildesigns]

@@diannevasquez627 praying for your family 🙏

[@lisaandrews3206]

Dont’ give up, and pray, pray, pray. My daughter declared herself bisexual many years ago. After much prayer and never closing the door to loving communication, she met and married a wonderful man and they have a beautiful son. She still has a way to go to a reversion (she was raised Catholic, and even engaged in apologetics work during her teens). We have a good relationship, with boundaries, but I never stop prayer for her, her husband and child. I know God loves her and wants her to know Him.

[@blackforestwanderer]

Don't lose hope! I know someone who was in a same sex relationship and is now married with 5 children.

[@simple_naildesigns]

@@blackforestwanderer amazing, thanks be to God 🥰🙏

[@blackforestwanderer]

Yes, all glory to Him!🙏🏻

[@Sorchia56]

Brilliant advice! I prayed for 25+ years for my husband to return to the church. I was taking our children to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days always inviting him. He would attend on Christmas Eve & Easter. (We were married at the Courthouse.) 27 years married now, we are getting our Marriage Blessed within our parish church on 10 August! Almost one month to go! 🎉🙏✝️💚 Our oldest left the church and us but we pray everyday for her, text how much we love her and sent her an invitation to our wedding. We will never give up hope on her. *The bloopers had me roaring 😂😂

[@kimberlysmiley0033]

Please pray for my daughter Holly, she is too influenced by the "woke" culture, she is angry with The Church

[@linda.pvangapandu8917]

Thank you Father Mike! I really appreciate your advice! It's really good advice! And I have been praying for my family. I fast and everything. I even pray for my husband he's South Indian and he doesn't know God or really much about him. But I pray that he will get to know God. And also my children and my grandchildren. And my siblings. And I pray for the whole World for those who don't believe in God

[@Merry406]

I needed to see/hear this. Thank you God.

[@elKarlo]

I am praying for my parents. They are boomers and it seems their generation has a lot of disrespect for the church. I pray I can get then to just believe again before they die.

[@Colin-to1nv]

Yes, so true that God himself is our example in patient waiting for prayers to be answered in God's own ways. Equally, "while they are alive" there is still hope: this life is the only opportunity we each have to choose Jesus over self & sin, so while life does last there is still hope.

[@fmd7920]

Keep persevering in prayer for your family. St Monica St Rita did not give up and we shouldn’t either. Yes , it’s frustrating and difficult but Trust God and pray pray pray. Pray the Rosary and after each decade say, “with these beads I bind my children (or whoever it is) say their name(s) to Your Immaculate Heart” Mama Mary will tend to their souls ❣️

[@simple_naildesigns]

@@fmd7920 amen!

[@edelmiraespinosa9689]

I pray and pray...for my children's conversion...but I don't have 30 years...won't stop doing any anyways...Thanks Father Mike...

[@DawnLapka]

My kids walked away from the Church. They sometimes make little appearances, but for the most part, they are searching for relevant relationships with God on their own. I started Grandma Dawn's tiky-toky-wiky-walkies, because I am actively trying to keep the communication open and trying, as well as praying. My next big Catholic purchase is going to be a Catechism of the Catholic Church. I plan to use it for the platform that I have. Thanks for offering this talk for people, Father Mike. I appreciate this encouragement. St. Monica, pray for us.

[@markbardusk9516]

If I may..if they are looking for a relationship with God? Start in the gospels and ask them to read all the way thru revelations. It's helped me. If YOU really want to understand Jesus. Read the New Testament. Second time for me. And I'm going to start a third. I always learn something new when I read. I wish you the best!

[@DawnLapka]

@markbardusk9516 If I ever have a conversation with them about God, I will mention it. But, my kids' relationship with God is THEIRS, not mine. Plus, they are adults. They have freedom to pray the best way they can, based on who they are. In the meantime, I read the Bible at least a little bit, every day; I go to Mass as often as I am able, based on my work life and my disability. I listen, pray, and view Mass on the Ascension Presents KZbin channel, because that's what it's there for. Those who can't make it to Mass everyday, or every week due to work or disability or transportation issues, or all of those reasons put together. Thanks for the information.

[@markbardusk9516]

@@DawnLapka Godspeed!

[@knittinghow-totips9752]

We cannot stop praying for our family, sons & daughters, God and our holy mother hear our prayers❤❤❤😂

[@thomasharrison8372]

Thank you Father Mike, God really does know when we are in need of something and today he sent you. I needed this now. Please pray for me. Thanks

[@jjjone683]

One of the things I ask Mary for is to protect my son until he can find Jesus.

[@emmabrauer5360]

I ask the guardian angels of all my family individually to stand in their homes every day and night to protect and guide them

[@maryeleazer3169]

Thank you Father all my kids walked away from there Faith but I will never stop praying ❤🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lourdesreeves6328]

Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.

[@clairevernyuy5827]

Thank you Fr Mike, my husband married for 3 years.. he was the best person I could say loved God but he just walked away from God and the church. He keeps feeding his mind with every Atheist information. I feel drained but I am holding on to God🙏🏽

[@michaelmemory6938]

That first point is VERY crucial, and all the harder for it. It’s very tempting to cut people out who don’t share your values and beliefs, in pursuit of greater / greener pastures. Especially when that person is more antagonizing to the faith than you want to be in that relationship. Hope and prayer has to be the grounding to keep us going.

[@wiiildfire]

This is timely for me and some of my family. I have to remember that God brought me through the desert miraculously. I will never know who all was praying for me, had prayed for me, and my relatives passed but not gone. But I appreciate that they never gave up on me and I’ll do the same.

[@roseg1333]

Thank you Fr Schmitz this was very much needed I have a sister named Monica and she prays and fasts for our whole family literally like 4 1/2 are still practicing Catholics out of 75 the rest have left. I guess our parents named her right 😂 they almost named her Monique. Her Nick names are all the ones you mentioned too 😂☺️ so funny how God moves sometimes lol

[@jelkazubr3101]

This is really speaking to my heart. Praying for my sister, she is living practicing homosexual sin. Our most Holy Queen of Heavem, pray for her.

[@bonnieg3793]

My son passed away. Am I right to still have hope? The thought is with me daily and makes me a prisoner to my sorrow.

[@bairesgurl]

@@bonnieg3793 Yes you have hope my friend. God is waiting for you to call him and come back to the holy church. I'll be praying for you and your son. May he rest in peace 🙏🕊️📿

[@donnaprice4954]

I’d love to hear another just like this but discuss what to do if it’s your SPOUSE!

[@christelle810]

Pray to St Rita. She prayed for her husband’s conversion.

[@stephaniemartinez327]

Try reading The Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, or learn about her life. She was a devout catholic whose husband was an atheist, she offered up her prayers and sufferings for him. Later in life, after she passed away, he became a priest. This priest, is the one who was the spiritual director of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen!

[@rbmhwils]

​@@stephaniemartinez327Yes, a beautiful story

[@gigiziggy2006]

Thank you father that was helpful… while we still have breath of life, there is still hope for us🙏

[@maxkrys380]

My husband and I are saying a 9 month novena, the Impossible Novena, for our adult children to come back to the Catholic faith.

[@poppydaiz]

I have been doing the same novena for my daughter for the past 3 years. I'm not giving up! I will keep praying it because I know she could change after I am gone.

[@maxkrys380]

@@poppydaiz I will not give up either. God is so good, only He can bring them back!

[@poppydaiz]

@maxkrys380 And it's always in God's time not ours, which requires lots of patience on our end.

[@maxkrys380]

@@poppydaiz this is very true

[@VanillaEarth744]

Pls pray for the conversion of my loved ones 🙏🏾✝️ thank you